GTK: POP ARTII

We've been such slackers lately we know but we are making up for it starting with this interview with the creative head of Lagos-based fashion brand, Pop Artii, who specialise in hand-painted clothes. Their motifs are bright and quirky and true to Nigerian culture and essence. Check out the interview in the video below:

IF YOU DON'T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW

Hi guys it's Eme here & I'd like to believe someone out there actually cares about my opinion & I'm not just talking to myself. Even if you don't particularly care (tragic), can't hurt to give this post a look? *please*

As you can see from my straightforward title, I'm going to talk about 8 artists I really really like/ think you should know if you don't already. I think this post will give you an insight into the kind of art I gravitate towards. I have quite a varied selection of artists on the list: young, old, famous, not famous, up and coming. Nevertheless, all incredibly talented artists that I'm excited for you guys to discover as well.

GTK: THOMPSON SAM EKONG (TSE)

Hi, everyone! Baby Steph in the hizzay. So a couple weeks ago Emu and I interviewed an actual living legend that goes by the name of TSE. If the name doesn't ring a bell then have you been living under a rock? Because goals, can I join you I'm looking for a place to be a depressed recluse thanks. Lol jk (or not).

TSE is a photographer in his own league, ahead of his time and thinking about the future so he can present it to us. His latest exhibition, "NO-1" at Carpe Diem on the 13th of August is a testament to his unconventional and futuristic style. Asides from being a mega talent he has a bubbly personality that reflects his flowing creativity. He cannot be tied to one style of photography and it is that versatility combined with an innate skill for the craft that makes him so ICONIC. Literally y'all this has been one of my favorite interviews to edit, I spent about a month editing this (don't judge me) and I don't cringe when I watch it now because he's just that great (I even know some of it word for word but you didn't need to know that).

Here's a likkle drinking game for you: Drink every time he says "meow" or any other onomatopoeia eg "pew" "skr". Enjoy (P.S. I'm sorry Tommy, your face doesn't actually look like that, it's my poorly set camera setting <3). Also stay tuned for a Marvel style epic post credit scene ;) :

THE NATIONAL GALLERY, NEW FRIENDS & REALIZING THINGS

Ok so I think we might just have formed the ultimate girl group. We're not sure what we're calling ourselves yet but I volunteer to be the Beyonce. Jk. I'm actually not kidding. 

Banter aside, Hi guys, Eme here (if you couldn't already tell).  As Cindy Lauper oh so rightfully stated, "When the working day is done... girls just wanna have fun". And we did just that. The first Sunday after our very first event (#ProjectA) we decided to reward ourselves with an indulgent trip to the National Gallery. And who better to invite than one of the very first people who showed us love on the blog, our new friend, and girl band member Zainab who probably deserves to be the Beyonce more than I do.

Quick note: this post may be confusing in terms of timeline- it was back when I was still in London so dw haha we just decided to delay it a bit!

It was a really hot day, so before we went in, we sat by the fountain at Trafalgar Square chatting, taking snap chats- the usual. I can honestly say it was such a beautiful moment, particularly when I realised that this time last year I had gone through so much with figuring out myself and I had struggled with being around people who didn't get me and subsequently couldn't provide me with the kind of support I needed. This time last year Steph & I had only barely started talking about A'naala & here we were- in the middle of London, a couple days after our first event with a whole new friend who supports us solely based on the fact that she actually likes what we do. Imma let you finish but that is the best feeling of all time.

Anyways, it kind of got me thinking that doing a little thing to show support for a friend/stranger can really go along way especially considering how vulnerable being creative can be!

On that note, shout out to Zainab because this post wasn't even supposed to be a post but homegirl surprised us with her photography skills so here are a series of shots documenting our day! Follow Zainab's photography instagram for more of her stuff!

Honestly, this shot looks like a painting in itself (also can anyone spot me?)

THE SELF EXPRESSION EXHIBITION

Hello again, Eme here! So last weekend Steph & I had the opportunity to officially cover 'The Self Expression Exhibition' organised by Gbenga Olaniyi and Tiwa Adegbuyi. The turn out was out of this world and we got the chance to meet & speak to so many creatives. Not to be weird or anything (probs too late for that) but it kind of felt like a huge family reunion. *Cues reunited and it felt so gooood*. Again I'm not trying to be weird.

We interviewed some of the artists, getting to know a little bit more about the pieces they respectively chose to represent the theme of the exhibition. The outcome of which is this absolutely incredible 7:00-minute video edited and shot by baby Steph herself. Comment below/ on youtube / insta / twitter  & show her some love if you like the video! (She could teach you- but she'd have to charge).

SAO & THE MUSE II

Hello friends! Eme here. And although no one asked, Yes. The A'naala girls are live and direct in Lagos. We haven't been here much since our launch back in October, but if you've been following our Instagram stories, then you'd see that Steph and I have been more than busy discovering the incredible art scene down here.

Now let's talk about Sao & the Muse II shall we? Unbelievably good. Honestly. Whoever's idea this was- you're doing amazing. No really. Probably the best art event I've been to in Lagos so far. The installations by @painterabe & @niyiokeowodesign  easily stole the show. Everyone and their mum took photos with the stylised vehicles on display. Myself included. We all know I love a good photo op.

BARIGA SUGAR

Bariga Sugar by Anaecheri.

"I believe the children are our future."

I do too Whitney. I do too.

3 words to describe "Bariga Sugar"- Refreshing. Potential. Deliberate.